Current Research

Research

Severe sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening consequences of infection. The urinary tract is commonly the source of infections resulting in severe sepsis and septic shock, accounting for as many as 35% of cases. Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae cause the majority of these infections.

This study was developed in response to cases of anthrax in 2001, which created anxiety about exposures to agents of biological terrorism. Shortly thereafter, many patients presented to physicians or EDs requesting testing or treatment for possible exposures to anthrax or other agents. Although very few Americans have truly been exposed to biological weapons, concerned patients may create a burden on our healthcare system.

Central nervous system (CNS) infections can range in severity from self-limited aseptic meningitis syndrome to life-threatening bacterial meningitis or encephalitis. The term “aseptic meningitis” generally refers to meningitis with a lymphocytic pleocytosis for which a cause is not apparent after initial evaluation and routine stains and cultures. The majority of these patients will have resolution of symptoms without neurological sequelae, but short-term morbidity may be substantial.